Hunger Strike

The Greek state has an uncanny ability to haphazardly follow the letter of the law, often neglecting the wider picture, thereby creating issues that tend to cause an uproar without there being any sound substantial reason.

We Americans like to think of our nation as the "shining city on a hill," as a protector of human rights, a beacon for the rest of the world. The reality, however, is that widespread torture is happening today in our own country, especially in state and federal prisons and detention facilities.

With immigration, everything begins and ends with family. Until we see a solution to the record-setting family separations, the Administration can expect to see demonstrators on their front step with heartbreaking stories.

Not only does South Africa have a long way to go to correct the errors of Apartheid, but many places all over the world still suffer from the poison of inequality and injustice that he opposed. One of the emerging world leaders dedicating his life to a freedom movement in the way Mandela did is Bhai Gurbaksh Singh Khalsa in India.

A report released earlier this week concludes that post-9/11, doctors working in U.S. security detention centers around the world engaged or assisted in torture and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment of detainees in violation of medical and ethical principles.

In the end, the goals of these inmates are not far from those of Gandhi. The difference, however, is that Gandhi was only one man with a whole continent of supporters while American prisoners, who number more than some small countries, have few Mos Defs in their corner.

The demands of the hunger strikers are reasonable: an end to long-term indefinite solitary confinement, a telephone call now and then, some sunshine, a look at a tree, a bird, classes, the chance to hug their children, grandchildren, wife, mother, friend, group interaction.